Research Intern - General Economics

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

About the Role

This paid, in-person internship in Washington, DC (25–40 hours per week over 12 weeks) joins Cato’s General Economics team, working with scholars Scott Lincicome, Ryan Bourne, and Steve Slivinski.

You’ll transform developments in US and global economics into clear, data-driven analysis for speeches, articles, and visual explainers— using official sources (BEA, Census, Federal Reserve, BLS) and engaging with live policy debates on growth, productivity, labor markets, inflation, taxation, and regulation. 

The role emphasizes clear writing, careful data use, and readable charts that explain the advantages of competitive, open markets aligned with individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.

Responsibilities

• Keep up with economic policy developments and write summaries and opinions about those developments.
• Gather information from executive agency and legislative committee hearings, as well as from conferences and other events hosted by think tanks, business associations, and interest groups.
• Gather and analyze data from official sources, such as the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau, Federal Reserve, Bureau of Labor Statistics, etc., to support arguments for free markets.
• Support the work of Cato scholars by conducting background research, compiling data, and creating tables, charts, outlines, and summaries of articles and papers.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest in—and working familiarity with—US economic policy and institutions; committed to explaining the benefits of free, competitive markets.
• Strong research and policy writing skills; ability to produce clear summaries and initial drafts for public audiences with accurate citations.
• Ability to locate, reconcile, and visualize official data from BEA, Census, Federal Reserve, and BLS to support arguments.
• General understanding of current economic policy issues in the US and global context.
• Manage short-turnaround tasks alongside longer projects.
• Work independently with sound judgment and minimal supervision.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.